HONG KONG.-Spink announce its upcoming Collectors Series auction in Hong Kong to be held on 24 August 2012. Leading the sale is a unique and magnificent medal Order of Blue Sky and White Sun awarded to Chiang Kai-shek in 1930, estimated at HK$3-5 million. It is the first time this precious medal in exceptional condition has ever appeared at auction and is expected to generate enormous interest amongst collectors.

According to a book on this medal written by respected collector and scholar Chuk Hong Ming, the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun was instituted in 1929 after the Nationalist government was established in Nanking (Nanjing). It was the highest military decoration awarded to any military personnel for their distinguished achievements in defending the country against the enemy. It hence signified the supreme glory and gallantry of the awardee.

Chiang Kai-shek, then head of state of the Chinese Nationalist government and generalissimo of all Chinese Nationalist forces, was awarded this medal in 1930. According to Chuk, this was one of his most favourite medals that he often wore alongside the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon, a medal presented exclusively to the head of the state.

Of particular note, this medal on offer, bearing the characters Special One instead of the usual numbering, is unique as evidenced by the well-known photograph of Chiang Kai-shek wearing the flipped over medal revealing the characters.

This Collectors Series auction will also present an array of superb stamps and covers, banknotes, bonds and share certificates. Public viewing will be held from 22 to 23 August (10 am-6 pm) at Spink, 9/F, 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong.